Thursday, March 8, 2012

Check out the image gallery added to this page! A record turnout and bidding for the fourth annual EAF/Palm Beach Dressage Derby topped all expectations which will still take some time to tabulate but a rough estimate of over $35,000 was brought in in a short 2 hours as the dressage community turned out in big numbers to support one equestrian sports longest running charities, The Equestrian Aid Foundation. In keeping with the mission of “horse people helping horse people” the auction items were a reflection of how everyone came together in donations and bids to make this year’s event the best ever. The highlight of the evening and final item for bidding was a breeding to Totilas generously donated by Paul Schockemohle and Anna Kathrin Linsenhoff. Professional auctioneer Tim Jennings donated his trip and time to lead the bidding, and opened the Totilas bid at $10,000, twice the cost of breeding to the world famous stallion. Carol Cohen of Two Swans Farm raised her hand, and it was a done deal. Cohen, who purchased a breeding to Lingh at a previous EAF auction, now has the unique decision of when and to which one of her mares will receive the honor of the sacred semen. More photos and highlight to follow on this page, but day one of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby has begun with a record number of FEI Grand Prix entries. and I need to get out there with my camera!

As the managers of this event, my husband JJ. Hathaway and myself Mary Phelps have hosted the kickoff to the Palm Beach Dressage Derby with the support of Markel Equine Insurance for over 15 years. Four years ago we turned this event over to the Equestrian Aid Foundation, where I function as the co-chair of the Board of Governors. We want to thank all who contributed to the success and will continue to share highlights and photos on this page throughout the week.